National Student Speech Language and

Hearing Association

University of Montevallo

 

         Purpose of National NSSLHA:

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association was created because of students’ desires for closer affiliation with professionals in the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders and provides the following membership benefits:

*Access to professional literature

*Opportunity for interaction with professionals

*Assistance in the transition from student to professional

*Student representation in matters of professional concern

*Professional growth derived from participation in NSSLHA activities and programs.

*Financial support for qualified student projects

NSSLHA operates as an independent organization and is recognized by the discipline’s professional association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), as the official organization for students interested in human communication sciences and disorders.  The NSSLHA Executive Council President and Past President serve as voting members of the policy-making body of ASHA (the Legislative Council) with full voting rights and privileges.  NSSLHA is also represented on several ASHA boards and committees, offering students an opportunity to provide input in decisions affecting the fields of speech-language pathology and Audiology.

 

NSSLHA is governed by an Executive Council that convenes semiannually.  The Council is comprised of 10 regional councilors (NSSLHA members) and five consultants (ASHA members).  Each regional councilor is selected from a recognized local chapter of NSSLHA and represents a geographic region of the country.  The NSSLHA Executive Council develops programs and activities designed to meet the needs and interests of its members.

 

         National NSSLHA Mission Statement

The mission of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is to benefit its members by continually improving its support, promotion, and advocacy of the highest quality preparation of professionals in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Speech and Hearing Science.(From 10/03 National NSSLHA Chapter Handbook)

 

National Student Speech Language and

Hearing Association

University of Montevallo

Local Chapter

 

Purpose:

The local chapter of NSSLHA consists of full/part-time undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology/Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, as well as Speech-Language Pathology graduate students.  This chapter’s purpose is to:

1.     Encourage professional interest among university students in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior and education of the deaf and hard of hearing.

2.     Assist the CSD department in providing professional information to its NSSLHA members.

3.     Provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern within the University, the community, and the national NSSLHA level.

 

Mission Statement:

The mission of the University of Montevallo’s local NSSLHA chapter is to provide professional support to inform and educate SLP/DHH students to become part of the professional community.  The local chapter will promote current issues regarding human communication science and disorders and education of the deaf and hard of hearing.

                        National Student Speech Language and

Hearing Association

University of Montevallo

Local Chapter

 

BYLAWS

 

Article I

Name

 

The name of this organization shall be the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, University of Montevallo Chapter.

 

                               Article II

                              Purpose

The local chapter of NSSLHA consists of full/part-time undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology/Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, as well as Speech-Language Pathology graduate students.  This chapter’s purpose is to:

1.    Encourage professional interest among university students in the study of normal and disordered human communication behavior and education of the deaf and hard of hearing.

2.    Assist the CSD department in providing professional information to its NSSLHA members.

3.    Provide a vehicle for student representation in matters of professional concern within the University, the community, and the national NSSLHA level.

 

Article III

Status

 The University of Montevallo Chapter shall serve as an official organization of National NSSLHA and ASHA in matters appropriately handled at the local level and in matters prescribed in the Bylaws of the national organization.  Any number of the members of the chapter shall be a member of the national organization. However, any member that holds an executive board office must be a member of National NSSLHA.

 

Article IV

Membership

 Section1:  Eligibility

A person is eligible to join the University of Montevallo’s NSSLHA Chapter if he/she is:

1.     A full/part-time undergraduate student in Speech-Language Pathology/Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

2.     A graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology.

3.     A student who is currently completing his/her Clinical Fellowship year may be a member of National NSSLHA but must transition from NSSLHA to ASHA upon completion of your CFY.

 

Section 2:  Privileges 

A member of the local chapter shall be eligible to vote, hold office and to serve on committees.

 

Section 3:  Dues

Annual dues for members shall be determined by the membership.

 

Section 4:  Termination of membership 

Membership in the University of Montevallo’s NSSLHA Chapter shall be terminated automatically if:

1.     The member becomes eligible for certification and membership in ASHA or eligible for certification from the State board of Education.

2.     Loses student status

3.     Fails to pay dues by the fourth week after the beginning of the semester

 

Article V

Patrons

 The Chapter may invite persons who have given support by their participation in the monthly meetings and monetary/time contributions to be Patrons of the Chapter.

 

Article VI

Personnel

 Section 1.  Student Members

Those students who meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Article IV; Section I of these Bylaws may be Chapter members.

 

Section 2.  Chapter Advisor(s)

The chapter shall have at least one advisor who is a faculty or staff member in the academic program.  The Chapter Advisor must be a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

 

Section 3.  Chapter Co-Advisor

The Chapter Advisor may designate a Chapter Co-Advisor.  The Chapter Co-Advisor must be licensed by ASHA or the State Board of Education.

 

Article VI

Chapter Executive Council

Section 1.  Power

The Chapter Executive Council shall supervise and coordinate all activities undertaken by the Chapter; shall establish policies; and shall exercise all powers except those assigned to the membership.  The Chapter Executive Council shall meet prior to the monthly business meeting at a time designated by the Council.  A majority of members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.  No one officer should hold all power nor make all of the decisions.  If the Executive Officers are unable to make a decision, the Advisor and Co-Advisor will make the deciding determination. 

 

Section 2:  Composition

The Chapter Executive Council shall consist of the elected chapter officers and its advisors.

 

Section 3.  Chapter Officers

Chapter officers shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Liaison, and Social Officer.  They shall be elected by the general membership as indicated in the Bylaws.

 

           A.   Duties

1.  President

     The President will call and preside over all meetings of the    Chapter Executive Council and Chapter meetings.  The President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees and shall designate special duties not provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws.

 2.    Vice President

The Vice President shall be vested with the powers of the President in the event of the President’s absence or inability to execute the presidential duties.  The Vice President shall carry out other duties assigned by the President.  The duties of the Vice President shall include overseeing the preparations for the monthly meetings.

3.  Secretary

     The Secretary will be responsible for the minutes, complete any publicity for the chapter’s events and activities, and create bulletin boards.

4.  Treasurer

     The Treasurer shall be custodian of chapter funds and shall be responsible for all monies received and spent by the local chapter, which is to include dues and organizational expenditures.

5.  Social Officer

     The Social Officer coordinates all social activities including those within the chapter/community.  The Social Officer will organize philanthropic events and may appoint members of the NSSLHA chapter to assist in these endeavors.

6.  National Liaison

     The National Liaison shall handle all reports and correspondence with the national office.

 7.  Undergraduate Liaison

     The Undergraduate Liaison is responsible for garnering the involvement of the undergraduate students and ensuring their participation in NSSLHA.  The Undergraduate Liaison will participate in the University of Montevallo’s Student Government Association by attending the SGA meetings.

           B.   Terms of Office

    The Chapter Officers shall be elected for a period of one year.

    C.   Election

The Chapter officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership.  Once a year, during the fall semester, a meeting will be held for Executive Council Membership.  During this meeting, the Executive Council shall receive nominations from the floor and shall receive each nominee’s acceptance before presenting the slate to the membership for action. 

 

Article VII

Orders

 Robert’s Revised Rules of Order shall constitute the parliamentary authority in all matters not covered by the national and local Bylaws.

 

Article VIII

Amendments

 Section 1.  Suggested Amendments

Any member or advisor shall present suggestions for amendments or revision of these Bylaws to the Chapter’s Executive Council at least one month prior to the next scheduled business meeting.

 

Section 2.  Action on Proposed Amendments

All amendments shall be presented to the general membership for action.  A vote of two-thirds of those present at the business meeting at which the amendment is announced shall be required for adoption.

Unviversity of Montevallo

NSSLHA Chapter Handbook

Revised: February 2006